Hospital-acquired immobility, a condition resulting from a lack of mobility and physical function due to prolonged bed rest during a hospital stay, is a growing concern in healthcare. Hospital-acquired immobility has significant implications, including:
- Reduced patient satisfaction and experience
- Higher rates of complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
- Increased healthcare costs due to extended hospital stays, medical interventions, and rehabilitation services
To mitigate the effects of hospital-acquired immobility, it is crucial to prioritize patient mobilization early and consistently. Not only does this practice enhance patient outcomes, but it also reduces the risk of complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
When patients remain immobile for extended periods, such as after surgery or during bed rest, blood flow in the veins can slow or become obstructed. A DVT, a blood clot forming in the leg, poses a serious risk; if it dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism. Together, these conditions are referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Approximately 1 out of 10 deaths are related to blood clots, making them the leading cause of preventable hospital death.
Healthcare professionals can proactively combat hospital-acquired immobility and its associated complications by establishing early and progressive mobilization protocols. Beyond simply ambulating, patients benefit from periodic changes in position, such as turning in bed, sitting in bed, dangling their legs at the side of the bed, and getting to the chair. These interventions collectively contribute to improved patient outcomes.
Implementing Data-Driven Approaches in DVT Prevention
Mechanical prophylaxis, such as intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, is a widely accepted therapeutic method for preventing DVTs. However, these devices can pose significant barriers to mobility due to cumbersome tubes and cords that tether the patient to their bed. Compliance with mechanical prophylaxis is also a notable challenge, with reported adherence to IPC devices as low as 40%.
A straightforward approach to enhancing early mobilization efforts is to focus on practical ways to remove obstacles of IPC devices. One effective solution is to minimize the number of lines, tubes, and cords by using a cordless, tubeless wearable therapeutic compression device, such as the Movement and Compressions (MAC) System.
The MAC System is also the world’s first wearable therapeutic compression device that measures and tracks patient mobility data. Accessibility to meaningful, actionable patient insights empowers bedside caregivers with the critical metrics needed to support the execution of in-hospital mobility and adherence to the recommended 18-22 hours of DVT prophylaxis—transforming how healthcare providers address hospital-acquired immobility.
Furthermore, with accessibility to data they’ve never had before, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions. Leveraging these insights allows hospitals to enhance their prevention protocols, reduce complications from hospital-acquired immobility, and ultimately improve patient outcomes while streamlining hospital operations and lowering healthcare costs.
Clinical Validation: Studies and Outcomes
A study published in an international, peer-reviewed trauma nursing journal aimed to determine whether using the MAC System compared with an IPC device impacts compliance with mechanical VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. The results obtained from the study concluded that the absence of cords and tubes with the MAC System promotes safe mobility. This significantly influenced compliance and enabled patients to be mobilized safely without the need to unplug/re-plug the device.
Patients who wore the MAC System exhibited considerably more time upright than patients using the current standard of care IPC. The difference was attributed to the MAC System’s ability to provide real-time mobility data on the patient’s upright time, walking time, and the number of steps taken.
Another comparative study published in the American Journal of Nursing highlighted the potential of the MAC System. Among the key findings, it was noted that the MAC System’s data-driven approach enhanced clinical usability for nurses, with accurate documentation of patient mobility levels. The study further stated that “patients were more satisfied with the mobility assistance provided by the MAC System than with the standard IPC device. Given the strong data supporting the importance of mobility in hospitalized patients, this is a clinically relevant finding.”
Conclusion
Hospital-acquired immobility is a significant concern in healthcare, but data-driven approaches offer effective strategies to mitigate its impact. By utilizing technologies such as the MAC System healthcare providers can:
- Receive actionable insights around patient wear time and mobility
- Optimize patient outcomes by improving the overall quality of care
- Reduce healthcare costs from other hospital-acquired conditions
As the healthcare industry increasingly embraces preventative care, prioritizing patient mobilization alongside data-driven decision-making will help combat hospital-acquired immobility and improve patient care.